Brighton Area Historical Society

On Thursday, April 21st, the Spring Cluster Meeting of local historical societies and libraries took place at the Brighton District Library (BDL).  Thirteen representatives from local organizations were in attendance from 6-9 pm.

The cluster meetings allow the representatives from local libraries and neighboring historical and genealogical societies to meet and share information.  Sharing of information is valuable because these organizations share their various activities and programs with their peers throughout Livingston County.  Frequently, new ideas for projects and fund raising get their start at this forum.

The Brighton Area Historical Society is honored to sponsor the Third Annual Spring Cleanup of the historic Old Village Cemetery located next to the millpond. Brighton’s many veterans from the U.S. armed services and many of the early community settlers are buried here in Brighton’s earliest cemetery that dates from 1838.

The civic pride that is found in quality, family-centered communities is found in our quaint community of Brighton and the surrounding townships. Individuals recognize their civic duty to assist in the common good of a community especially when presented with the need to respect our military heroes.

We are approaching the time of year when new life starts to sprout and the dirty snow of winter retreats for another season.  The green thumbs of the local households are busy planning outdoor improvements.  Time has arrived to remove the broken branches and scattered leaves strewn about the yard.

This spring cleanup at Old Village Cemetery is entering its third year, and the community volunteers need your help for this important civic pride event!   Please join our effort as a way of giving back to our community!  This spring cleanup is about restoring respect to these hallowed grounds.

There is a good chance that when you read this title "Ice Harvesting", you may begin to wonder: what does ice harvesting really mean?  How or why would you harvest ice?  Ice is found conveniently inside our refrigerators.  If we need a big bag of ice for a party or picnic, we can get it at our local grocery store.  How or why would anyone attempt to harvest ice?

As all school kids know, ice is simply frozen water.  If we go back in time to the 1930s and 1940s, the term refrigerator was just coming into the American vocabulary.  This modern piece of kitchen equipment started to replace the familiar wooden icebox that was found in most homes.  These iceboxes typically used lake ice into the 1940s.

The former Mellus Hospital building on East Grand River will become the new home of the Chamber of Commerce (CoC).  Future use of the CoC building on Hyne St. remains unknown and its longevity maybe in peril.  These two historic structures are attractive and appear in sound shape.  The BAHS hopes they will be maintained as part of the downtown community.

Dr. Mellus opened his new building in February 1931, and the hospital closed in March 1957.   Located down the hill from the First Presbyterian Church, this classic two-story brick Georgian structure provided the residents of Brighton a modern hospital.

The BAHS depends on volunteers who donate time and energy.  If have time to offer, even only a few hours a month, please let us now.  We currently seek volunteers for the following roles:

• Web Site Admin: We need help updating content on our site.  Basic computer skills are required; training provided.
• Archivists: We desperately need help with the sorting, organizing and scanning of photos, documents, maps, etc.
• CoBACH Hosts: We are looking for volunteers to act as hosts at CoBACH Center.  Meet and greet visitors while learning about history.

Are you interested?  If so, please contact us.